Disdain vs. Hate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 19, 2024
Disdain implies a feeling of contempt or scorn often due to perceived inferiority, while hate is a stronger, more intense emotion of extreme dislike or hostility.
Difference Between Disdain and Hate
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Key Differences
Disdain is often characterized by a sense of superiority and aloof contempt towards someone or something considered unworthy of one's respect. Hate, on the other hand, is a deeper and more passionate emotion that involves active dislike and aversion.
The expression of disdain is typically more passive, reflecting a dismissive attitude without the need for actions against the object of disdain. Whereas hate can lead to active opposition or hostility towards its object, driven by deep-seated animosity.
Disdain may not necessarily involve emotional investment; it can be a detached form of contempt. In contrast, hate is usually emotionally charged and can consume significant mental and emotional energy.
In social interactions, disdain might manifest as snubbing or derisive comments, subtly undermining the person or object regarded as inferior. Hate may manifest more overtly, resulting in aggressive behaviors or explicit acts of opposition.
The motivation behind disdain often stems from perceived shortcomings or failures of others, which are judged negatively. Hate, however, can originate from more personal, deep-rooted reasons, such as past wrongs, threats, or profound disagreements.
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Comparison Chart
Emotional Intensity
Lower, often passive
Higher, often active
Motivation
Perceived inferiority
Personal grievances, threats
Manifestation
Snubbing, sarcastic remarks
Hostility, aggression
Involvement
Less emotionally involved
Highly emotionally involved
Potential for Harm
Generally limited to social harm
Can lead to physical or deep emotional harm
Compare with Definitions
Disdain
To regard with scorn or contempt.
She looked at the cheap merchandise with disdain.
Hate
To feel intense or passionate dislike for someone.
He hated his rival for personal reasons.
Disdain
To think unworthy of one's consideration.
He disdained the offer, believing he deserved better.
Hate
An emotion of strong aversion and hostility.
Her hate for injustice drove her activism.
Disdain
To refuse or reject scornfully.
She disdained his invitation as she did not want to associate with him.
Hate
To detest profoundly, holding something in extreme aversion.
She hates the idea of animal cruelty.
Disdain
A feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy.
His disdain for frivolous spending was apparent.
Hate
Often associated with animosity and desire to harm.
His hate led him to plot against his neighbors.
Disdain
An attitude of superiority over something perceived as lesser.
His academic disdain for popular literature was well-known.
Hate
A long-lasting and deeply held emotion.
His hate stemmed from a betrayal he never forgave.
Disdain
To regard or treat with haughty contempt
Critics who disdained the writer as a hack.
Hate
To feel strong dislike for or hostility toward
Rivals who hate each other.
Disdain
To consider or reject (doing something) as beneath oneself
Disdained receiving an award from the organization.
Disdained to attend the ceremony.
Hate
To feel dislike or distaste for
Hates washing dishes.
Hates to get up early.
Disdain
A feeling or show of contempt and aloofness; scorn.
Hate
To be disinclined (to do something) out of politeness or a need to apologize
I hate to interrupt, but can I ask you a quick question?.
Disdain
(uncountable) A feeling of contempt or scorn.
The cat viewed the cheap supermarket catfood with disdain and stalked away.
Hate
To feel hatred.
Disdain
(obsolete) That which is worthy to be disdained or regarded with contempt and aversion.
Hate
Intense animosity or dislike; hatred.
Disdain
(obsolete) The state of being despised; shame.
Hate
An object of hatred.
One of my pet hates is traffic wardens.
Disdain
(transitive) To regard (someone or something) with strong contempt.
Hate
Hatred.
He gave me a look filled with pure hate.
Disdain
To be indignant or offended.
Hate
(Internet slang) Negative feedback, abusive behaviour.
There was a lot of hate in the comments on my vlog about Justin Bieber from his fans.
Disdain
A feeling of contempt and aversion; the regarding anything as unworthy of or beneath one; scorn.
How my soul is moved with just disdain!
Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes.
Hate
(transitive) To dislike intensely or greatly.
Disdain
That which is worthy to be disdained or regarded with contempt and aversion.
Most loathsome, filthy, foul, and full of vile disdain.
Hate
(intransitive) To experience hatred.
Do not fear; he who fears hates; he who hates kills. — attributed to Gandhi
Disdain
The state of being despised; shame.
Hate
To have a great aversion to, with a strong desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is directed; to dislike intensely; to detest; as, to hate one's enemies; to hate hypocrisy.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.
Disdain
To think unworthy; to deem unsuitable or unbecoming; as, to disdain to do a mean act.
Disdaining . . . that any should bear the armor of the best knight living.
Hate
To be very unwilling; followed by an infinitive, or a substantive clause with that; as, to hate to get into debt; to hate that anything should be wasted.
I hate that he should linger here.
Disdain
To reject as unworthy of one's self, or as not deserving one's notice; to look with scorn upon; to scorn, as base acts, character, etc.
When the Philistine . . . saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth.
'T is great, 't is manly to disdain disguise.
Hate
To love less, relatively.
Disdain
To be filled with scorn; to feel contemptuous anger; to be haughty.
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the marvels that he did . . . they disdained.
Hate
Strong aversion coupled with desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is directed; as exercised toward things, intense dislike; hatred; detestation; - opposed to love.
For in a wink the false love turns to hate.
Disdain
Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike;
He was held in contempt
The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary
Hate
The emotion of hate; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
Disdain
A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
Hate
Dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards;
I hate Mexican food
She detests politicians
Disdain
Look down on with disdain;
He despises the people he has to work for
The professor scorns the students who don't catch on immediately
Disdain
Reject with contempt;
She spurned his advances
Common Curiosities
How does hate affect behavior
Hate can lead to aggressive behavior, hostility, and in extreme cases, violence.
How can someone manage feelings of hate
Addressing the root causes, such as unresolved conflicts or emotional injuries, through therapy or mediation can be effective.
What is the main difference between disdain and hate
Disdain involves contempt and a sense of superiority, while hate is characterized by intense dislike and hostility.
What triggers disdain
Disdain is often triggered by what one perceives as lack of quality, virtue, or worth in another.
Does disdain require a personal relationship
No, one can feel disdain towards people, objects, or concepts without personal interaction.
Can disdain turn into hate
Yes, if feelings of contempt are left unresolved and become more personal, disdain can escalate into hate.
What are typical expressions of hate
Expressions of hate can include verbal threats, physical violence, or deliberate harm.
Is disdain always obvious
Not necessarily; disdain can be quite subtle and manifest in non-verbal cues or avoidance.
Are disdain and hate emotional states or actions
They are primarily emotional states, but they can influence one's actions significantly.
Is it healthy to feel disdain
While it can be a natural response, persistent feelings of disdain might indicate underlying biases or superiority complexes.
Can hate be justified
While some may feel justified due to past wrongs, hate often leads to destructive outcomes and is generally seen as a negative emotion to be managed or resolved.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
